This publication covers all major aspects of social policy in relation to disability in contemporary Ireland. New approaches to policy making, influenced by concepts of rights, partnership and integration, have led to major changes in service provision and legislation affecting people with disabilities. These developments are fully discussed in chapters on education and employment policies, health services, social security, access and independent living, gender, ethnicity, poverty, ageing, the mixed economy of welfare and disability, the emerging rights perspective for disabled people, and the legislation underpinning service provision. The effect of European legislation is fully covered, and comparisons are made with provision in other countries and in Northern Ireland.

A completely updated and revised edition of this comprehensive review of the range of social policy provision in Ireland - education, income maintenance, employment, housing and health - together with chapters relating to different categories of consumers of services including children, people with disabilities, older people, Travellers, refugees and asylum seekers. Key areas of policy development concerning youth, drugs and the criminal justice system are also examined. Each chapter is complete in itself, providing description and analysis of current policy, an overview of its historical development and discussion of current and future issues in the field. A table of the main policy developments and a list of further reading are given at the end of each chapter. The contributors include academics, researchers and managers of services in the public and voluntary sectors. Intended especially as a textbook for students of social policy, it is also a basic reference book for anyone wishing to gain an understanding of current social policy provision in Ireland. Contemporary Irish Social Policy is a companion volume to Irish Social Policy in Context (1999), which discusses the historical development of social policy in Ireland and analyses the policy-making process. Other titles in UCD Press's series of social policy textbooks are Disability and Social Policy in Ireland (2003), Theorising Irish Social Policy (2004) and Mental Health and Social Policy in Ireland (forthcoming 2005).

Theorising Irish Social Policy addresses theoretical and conceptual debates underpinning Irish social policy and is an advanced text for courses in social policy as well as being intended for academics, researchers, policy analysts and policy makers. It will be an invaluable aid for students who in the past were left to their own devices in the task of relating internationally developed themes and frameworks to Irish developments. The book is comprehensive in its choice of themes which include an introductory discussion on locating Irish social policy, followed by chapters written by leading Irish academics on globalisation; communitarianism, social capital and subsidiarity; individualisation; women, autonomy and bodily integrity; fathers, identity and well-being; poverty and insecurity; equity, efficiency and health care; difference and social diversity; rights and judicial activism. Theorising Irish Social Policy is part of the University College Dublin Press series of social policy texts, which include Contemporary Irish Social Policy (1999), Irish Social Policy in Context (1999), Disability and Social Policy in Ireland (2003) and Mental Health and Social Policy in Ireland (forthcoming, 2005).

A new textbook which draws together developments in mental health policy in recent years and identifies the challenges posed by changes in Irish society. Topics covered include international trends, health promotion, children, adolescence, women, ethnic minorities, suicide, the homeless, crime, the workplace and ageing. Chapters include an historical overview followed by a discussion of international data, current policy and likely developments and future challenges Mental Health and Social Policy in Ireland is part of the University College Dublin Press series of social policy texts, which include Contemporary Irish Social Policy (1999), Irish Social Policy in Context (1999), Disability and Social Policy in Ireland (2003) and Theorising Irish Social Policy (2004).

This book explores many of these aspects of ageing in Ireland today. It is envisaged that it will serve as an appraisal of policy developments to date and as a point of departure for future challenges. It is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students eager to familiarise themselves with the challenges for older people, their families, service providers and policy makers. It is a resource for those approaching gerontology for the first time and introduces conceptual and theoretical writings on ageing.The book is pertinent to a range of training courses for social workers, psychologists, doctors, nurses and care workers and the same professional groups employed in working with older people. It has relevance for the vast array of agencies engaged in policy creation and implementation in this area. Each chapter addresses a specific area of social policy, forming a complete unit in itself. Taken together, the chapters provide the reader with a readily accessible and wide-ranging overview of ageing and social policy in Ireland.